The Kansas City Chiefs were on a quest for a first-ever Super Bowl three-peat, and RB Isiah Pacheco was an integral part of the team despite a multi-week absence due to a fractured fibula he suffered in Week 2.
After being drafted in the seventh round by the Chiefs in 2022, Pacheco has shown grit and a great deal of power as a rusher, while also showcasing an incredible ability to consistently shed defenders.
As fans increasingly know him on the field, what’s his background, and how did his story begin? What’s Pacheco’s ethnicity, and what’s his family’s history? Let’s get to know the proud Puerto Rican and his roots.
Isiah Pacheco: Family, Football, and Pride
Pacheco was born on March 2, 1999, in Vineland, New Jersey. He attended Vineland High School, where he played both quarterback and running back. He started playing football at a Pop Warner level, playing for the Vineland Blitz.
He was born to his parents, Felicia Cannon and Julio Pacheco. His father, Julio, is of Puerto Rican descent. His mother, on the other hand, is of Dominican descent. He is the youngest of five siblings. Unfortunately, he lost two of his siblings, Celeste and Travoise, to violence at a young age. Their deaths still motivate him to greatness, and he carries their memories with him in the form of a tattoo mural on his right arm.
Really cool moment after the game as Isiah Pacheco took it all in with his family. I’m so happy for this dude. pic.twitter.com/MMfmNsx78y
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt)
After a successful high school career, Pacheco committed to Rutgers University in 2017. He was also recruited by Syracuse, Maryland, and Virginia Tech. He spent four seasons with Rutgers, where he got plenty of playing time. He compiled 2,442 yards and 18 touchdowns on 563 attempts. He added 47 receptions for 249 yards and one touchdown.
Pacheco was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chiefs. He has 26 career starts since his arrival in Kansas City. Pacheco came up just shy of 1,000 rushing yards in 2023, but his unrelenting rushing style is the perfect complement to the Chiefs’ dynamic passing attack.
Pacheco is not shy about collisions on the football field, and he isn’t shy about his Puerto Rican heritage. In fact, he has repeatedly mentioned his ethnicity and, specifically, his connection to being a proud Puerto Rican.
“Every time I enter the field, I bring my culture with me,” Pacheco said.
KEEP READING: Meet Patrick Mahomes’ Parents, Randi and Pat Sr.
Pacheco drew attention when, after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory, he appeared at celebrations wearing the Puerto Rican flag. This was a sign of love for his origins and his striving to pay tribute to his roots on one of the largest platforms in sports.
Pacecho also honored Puerto Rico during Super Bowl 57, as he wore a decal with the country’s flag on the back of his helmet against the San Francisco 49ers. Pacheco’s Super Bowl helmet is now displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Chiefs-Chargers Week 1 Preview
The division rivalry between the Chiefs and Chargers should be a treat for the São Paulo audience, as the teams have routinely produced competitive games in recent years.
For both teams, it starts at quarterback. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes remains one of the league’s best, having already won three Super Bowls before turning 30.
Meanwhile, Justin Herbert has the stats to rank among the game’s top passers but has yet to win a playoff game in his five-year career. He’ll be looking to change that narrative this season, starting with a statement against the Chiefs.
Kansas City’s passing attack will look similar to last season, with wideouts Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster complementing All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Their top receiver, Rashee Rice, is out against the Chargers while serving a suspension.
Los Angeles’ receiving corps isn’t much better, though second-year receiver Ladd McConkey is back after an impressive rookie season in which he caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be Herbert’s No. 1 target.
Per our metrics, the Chargers will have an upper hand defensively. Coordinator Jesse Minter leads a unit that flies to the ball, anchored by pass rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James.
The Chiefs’ defense graded out at a C last season but will look to improve behind defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Trent McDuffie. Both are among the best at their positions, but need help from a young, unproven supporting cast.
As for the outcome, the Chiefs simply have the Chargers’ number. Los Angeles usually puts up a fight but falls short in the end. That shouldn’t change, even in Week 1 on South American soil.
Prediction:Â Chiefs 24, Chargers 20
